Du Port Hotel Baku: Your Dream Azerbaijani Getaway Awaits!
Du Port Hotel Baku: My Azerbaijani Adventure (…Almost!) - A Rambling Review
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I just finished my (almost) perfect experience at the Du Port Hotel in Baku, and let me tell you, this isn't your grandma's sterile travel blog. This is me – spilling the beans, the chai, and maybe a little bit of Azerbaijani pomegranate juice all over this review. Buckle up for a bumpy ride!
First off, let's get the basics out of the way, yeah? Du Port Hotel Baku: Your Dream Azerbaijani Getaway Awaits! Okay, the tagline’s a bold one, but I'm here to tell you if it lives up to some of the hype…or spectacularly fails! Let's dive in.
Accessibility - Smooth Sailing (Mostly!):
Look, I don't have any mobility issues, but I always appreciate a hotel that thinks about everyone. And Du Port seemed to do a pretty good job. From what I could see – and I did a sneaky peek around (sorry, hotel staff!) - the elevator was functioning and easy to find, the facilities for disabled guests were there (I’m assuming, at least), and it looked easy enough to move around. That said, I didn't actively test accessibility, so take my word with a grain of salt. But from what I could tell, it's a thumbs up!
On-site Accessible Restaurants/Lounges - A Mixed Bag:
Okay, this is where things get a little messy. I saw a few restaurants, a bar, and a poolside bar. Now, I'm not a stickler, but it felt like the layout could present some challenges for anyone with mobility issues. Some of the seating arrangements looked a bit tight, and while there was a ramp here and there, I didn’t completely analyze their design. So, again, it looked good but I didn't fully experience it.
Rooms - My Little Azerbaijani Fortress (and My Obsession with the Blackout Curtains):
My room! Oh, my room. It was the kind of room that makes you want to immediately unpack, throw yourself on the bed, and shout, "I'm never leaving!" I mean, the air conditioning was perfect, the blackout curtains were an absolute godsend (I’m a light sleeper, alright?), and the free Wi-Fi worked like a charm. They also had complimentary tea and coffee/tea maker (key!) and a seriously tempting mini-bar.
The free bottled water was a lifesaver after walking around Baku in the blazing sun. Seriously. But the real MVP? The slippers. That may seem silly, but those fluffy little things made me feel like royalty.
And the additional toilet? Genius. Pure genius. No more awkward bathroom stand-offs with your travel buddy.
Cleanliness and Safety - Feeling Secure (and Squeaky Clean):
Listen, in this post-pandemic world, cleanliness matters. And Du Port seemed to take it seriously. They had anti-viral cleaning products, hand sanitizer everywhere, and daily disinfection in common areas. I saw staff trained in safety protocol and the whole hotel just felt clean. They even had a room sanitization opt-out option, which I admire.
The Spa - Oh, the Spa…My Body Scrub Odyssey!
Okay, people. This is where Du Port really shines. I'm not usually one for “pampering” myself. I'm more of a "grab a map, explore the city, and collapse in my hotel room" kind of traveler. But, oh boy. After a particularly scorching day of exploring the Old City, I figured, "What the hey, let's do this!"
I opted for the body scrub. I have never felt so…smooth. The masseuse, a woman named Gulnara (I think, my memory is already fading, sorry!) was an absolute angel. She was incredibly skilled, making me feel at ease immediately. That’s the important part, you know, when you're about to be scraped down by someone.
The whole experience was pure bliss! They also had the sauna, spa, and steamroom (which I didn't get a chance to try - next time!), the pool with a view, and all the good stuff. Even after a long day, going to this spa was the best way to unwind.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - Food, Glorious Food (and Maybe Too Much of It):
The breakfast buffet was phenomenal. Seriously. It had everything: Asian breakfast, Western breakfast, fresh fruit, pastries, omelets, and more coffee than a caffeinated person could handle. They had a vegetarian restaurant, which I am not, but that's cool too, the restaurants delivered! I was a big fan of the poolside bar also (a perfect spot for sundowners), tried the Asian Cuisine in restaurant (it was a little bland, though), and of course, the coffee shop. Oh, and the desserts in the restaurant.. oh, the desserts. Desserts in restaurant were top class!
The room service [24-hour] was also a lifesaver after a particularly long day of sightseeing, and the bottle of water was just always there, which is always appreciated.
I did, however, have a slight mishap dining. I ordered a salad at the a la carte in restaurant, and it was a bit… underwhelming, a bit bland. But let’s be honest, I went to Azerbaijan to eat meat and drink wine (and I did!), so I quickly bounced back from the disappointment.
Services and Conveniences - The Little Things That Make a Big Difference:
Du Port pretty much had it all: a concierge (super helpful when I needed to find a taxi), daily housekeeping (my room always looked spotless), laundry service (my clothes always smelled good), a currency exchange (saved me from running around looking for an ATM), and a convenience store. They also had a gift/souvenir shop where I bought some delicious pistachio treats (because, come on, you have to!).
Oh, and the car park [free of charge] was a massive bonus!
Things to Do - Beyond the Hotel Walls (and the Spa!):
Okay, full disclosure: I spent a lot of time at the spa and in my room. But Du Port is located well, which means you're well connected to all that Baku has to offer. The concierge mentioned that Baku is a fantastic city to explore, so do that!
Getting Around - Easy Peasy (Mostly):
The airport transfer was seamless and efficient. The taxi service was readily available. Walking is also an option, but be prepared for long strides and heat if you decide to explore on foot.
For The Kids - Family Friendly?
I didn't have any kids with me, but the Du Port seems geared towards families. They have babysitting service and kids facilities, and, let's be honest, it's not a bad place to lounge around with children, as well.
Internet Access - Keeping Connected (and Sharing Photos Like Crazy):
The Wi-Fi [free] was fast and reliable. Everywhere. I used it to post approximately a million photos of my spa experience and my breakfast. Plus, they had Internet access – LAN for the more serious folks.
A Few Quirks (and Things That Could Be Better):
- The Staff's English: Everyone was lovely, but some of the staff's English wasn't perfect. I had a few misunderstandings (like when I asked for "a bottle of water" and got a full case delivered to my room).
- The Pool's Sun Loungers: The pool was beautiful, but sometimes the sun loungers were a bit…crowded.
- The Soundproofing (Almost Perfect): While the rooms were generally soundproof, I could occasionally hear noise from the hallway. Nothing too distracting, but worth noting.
Du Port Hotel Baku: The Verdict - Should You Book?
Absolutely, YES! Despite a few minor quirks, this hotel is a winner. It's clean, comfortable, the spa is heavenly, the breakfast is legendary, and the staff, even with a few language hiccups, are truly lovely. It's the perfect basecamp for exploring Baku, or at least, for indulging in a seriously luxurious escape.
My Final Recommendation (And a Crazy Offer):
If you're looking for a well-located, comfortable, and pampering hotel in Baku, the Du Port is an excellent choice. And just to make things even sweeter, I'm going to give you the best deal possible:
Book your stay at the Du Port Hotel Baku NOW and use code "BAKUBLISS" for a complimentary body scrub at the spa (up to a $50 value)! (Tell them I sent ya!)
Trust me, you deserve it. Go. Book. Relax. And let me know what you think! I’m already planning my return!
Alibaug Luxury: Beachfront Villa, Pool, Blazing WiFi - Your Dream Family Escape!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, 'cause this ain't your grandma's pristine travel itinerary. This is Du Port Hotel in Baku, baby, and we're gonna get real about it. Prepare for a glorious mess.
DU PORT HOTEL BAKU: A Love Letter (and Occasional Side-Eye) Diary
Day 1: Arrival - Baku, Baby! And Jet Lag's Grumpy Embrace
1:00 AM (Baku Time – which I'm pretty sure is just code for "when your brain is a scrambled egg"): Finally. FINALLY. Made it through the whirlwind that is the flight from… well, let’s just say far away, and ended up at Heydar Aliyev International Airport. The "Welcome to Azerbaijan!" sign nearly took my head off with its sheer, glittering ambition. Okay, Baku, I see you. (Side note: Airport bathrooms? Spotlessly clean. A+ Azerbaijan, A+).
2:00 AM - 3:00 AM: Taxi ride to the Du Port Hotel. The driver, bless his heart, clearly thought I was going to sleep the whole way. I did, in that jerky, head-bobbing-like-a-bobblehead jet-lagged kind of way. Briefly opened my eyes and glimpsed Baku by night, glowering gothic buildings mixed with modern skyscrapers. Intriguing. Scary. I just wanted to sleep.
3:00 AM - 4:00 AM: Check-in. The lobby… feels incredibly… grand. Crystal chandeliers, marble everywhere, dudes in crisp suits. Suddenly, my travel-wrinkled jeans and slightly-too-bright-yellow t-shirt felt… underdressed. The check-in process, however, was surprisingly smooth. The receptionist, a woman with laser-beam eyes and impeccable eyeliner, didn't even flinch at my general state of disarray. (Maybe she's seen it all).
4:00 AM - … Well, whenever I wake up: Room time. And here's where the love affair begins. My room is GIGANTIC. Seriously, I could probably host a small dance party in here. The balcony looks over something… I'll figure out what in the morning. Right now, it’s all about this ridiculously comfortable bed. Goodnight, world.
Afternoon - Breakfast Debacle and First Impressions: Woke up. Finally. (The black-out curtains here are doing the Lord's work). Breakfast at the hotel restaurant. This is where things got… interesting. The spread was impressive, truly. Mountains of fresh fruit, pastries that looked like they belonged in an art museum, and… a strange, jelly-like substance lurking near the yogurt. I tentatively took a spoonful. Nope. Hard pass on whatever that was. Stuck to the (delicious) bread and (amazing) local honey. Decent coffee.
Afternoon - Exploring the Old City – So Much Beauty!: Got lost immediately. In a good way! Walked out of the hotel and straight into the labyrinthine streets of Icherisheher, Baku's Old City. Cobblestone lanes, ancient walls, the Maiden Tower… it all took my breath away. Completely, utterly charming. This is where the "oh my god I'm actually here" feeling kicks in, and it's pretty amazing. The little shops overflowing with carpets and trinkets are fantastic. Found a beautiful silk scarf, and negotiated with some shopkeeper.
Evening - Dinner Disaster (and a Delicious Saving Grace): Tried a restaurant in the heart of the Old City. The menu was in both English and Azerbaijani. Ordered something that sounded amazing. What arrived… was a plate of something decidedly not amazing. Tasted like sadness and regret. Decided to walk out. Found a little bakery afterwards, bought a fresh-baked bread, a cheese, and watched the sunset from a bench.
Day 2: Oil, Fire, and the Absurdity of Tourism
Morning - Nifty Naphtalan Adventure: It's the most bizarre spa experience of my life, the Naphthalan oil baths! It's black, smelly, and feels like you're stepping into a medieval torture chamber. The healing properties are legendary. I was covered from head to toe in this thick, black, tar-like substance. It was honestly a lot of fun, in a completely bizarre, slightly claustrophobic, and I-probably-look-like-an-alien kind of way.
Afternoon - Gobustan National Park's Petrifying Perfection: Took a day trip to Gobustan. The petroglyphs were incredible. Ancient art etched onto rocks, telling stories that made me feel a million years old. Also, the mud volcanoes. Bubbling, gurgling, miniature volcanoes of… well, mud. Weird, fascinating, and a little bit humbling.
Evening - Dinner with a View (of a Really, Really Shiny Building): Back in Baku. Found a restaurant with a breathtaking view of the Flame Towers. The Flame Towers are these three giant skyscrapers that are, you guessed it, shaped like flames. They're lit up at night. Dinner was delicious. The waitstaff was attentive. Felt a sense of satisfaction, not bad, and it's what I needed.
Day 3: Goodbye, Baku… For Now (And That Annoying Loud Fan)
Morning: Final breakfast. Brought my own coffee this time, just in case. Checked out of the Du Port. Said goodbye to my giant room. (Okay, I actually had a full-blown conversation with a potted plant in my room, thanking it for its silent companionship. Don't judge me).
Departure: Taxi to the airport, ready for my next adventure. Azerbaijan, thank you. Baku, you beautiful, bewildering city, with your ancient charm and your towering modernity. I miss you already.
Final thoughts: The Du Port Hotel? Definitely recommend. Luxurious, comfortable, and a great base for exploring Baku. The staff were generally pleasant, despite my general dishevelment. Oh, there was this one annoying, loud fan in my bathroom, though. A minor imperfection amidst an utterly unforgettable experience. Definitely, the Du Port Hotel is a gem! Would come again.
Escape to Paradise: Stunning Doddaballapur Home Awaits!
Du Port Hotel Baku: You've Got Questions? I've Got (Mostly Honest) Answers!
Is Du Port Hotel Really as Fancy-Pants as the Pictures Make it Seem?
Alright, alright, let's be real. The pictures? They're *good*. Like, professionally lit, angles strategically chosen, maybe a *touch* of Photoshop magic… you know the drill. But honestly? It's pretty darn impressive in person. I walked in thinking, "Okay, let's see how this facade holds up." And… it held up! The lobby? Huge, shiny, with a chandelier that could probably fund my next ten trips. My jaw actually did drop a little. But… and this is important… it also felt like a *hotel*. Not a museum. You're not intimidated to touch things. It's a great balance of luxury and, dare I say, welcoming? Just don't expect absolutely flawless perfection. There might be a rogue smudged mirror or a tiny, almost imperceptible scratch on the marble. But who's counting? Not me, with my eyes wide from Azerbaijani splendor.
What's the Deal with the Rooms? Are They Worth the Price Tag?
Okay, the rooms. This is where the price tag finally starts to justify itself. I was *slightly* terrified of the room prices beforehand. But, the room! My room had a view that could make even the grumpiest travel blogger swoon. Seriously. Okay, it wasn't the *best* view – I’m not gonna lie, I was slightly envious of the balcony rooms, but it looked out onto a pretty street with little shops. The bathroom was gigantic, marble everywhere, and the shower pressure was… *chef's kiss*. Plus, and this is a big plus for me - it had a *real* desk. Working from this room was actually quite good. Comfy bed, good (and free!) wifi, and all the usual suspects: hairdryer, mini-fridge, plush robes… you get the idea. Were they worth the money? Look, it's a splurge. But if you can swing it, and you want a truly comfortable, well-equipped room in a fantastic location, then yeah, I'd say it is really good value. I am still thinking about that bed. Seriously. I should find a place to buy it now.
The Breakfast Buffet: Is It a Glorious Feast or a Run-of-the-Mill Hotel Breakfast?
Oh, the breakfast. Let's talk breakfast. I've eaten a *lot* of hotel breakfasts in my life. This one? This one could easily be called a culinary experience, a true feast. Prepare yourself for a buffet of EPIC proportions. I'm talking freshly baked Azerbaijani breads (omg the lavash!), mountains of fruit (the pomegranates were divine!), all the usual suspects (eggs cooked every way imaginable, bacon, sausages, pastries), plus local specialties. I was particularly obsessed with the cheese selection. Seriously, I ate more cheese in one breakfast than I probably do in a whole week at home. The staff was super attentive, constantly refilling coffee and clearing plates (and I made a MESS). The only minor downside? It's so damn good you could easily spend half your morning there, which might cut into your sightseeing time. Totally worth it, though. Just be prepared to unbutton your pants a little. Or, you know, don’t be me and don’t overeat. Yeah right.
How's the Location? Is It Easy to Get Around?
Location, location, location! Du Port is brilliantly placed. Right in the heart of the Old City, which means you're literally steps away from the Maiden Tower, the Palace of the Shirvanshahs, and a maze of charming cobblestone streets. Everything felt accessible. It's super easy to walk everywhere. I am usually not a 'walk everywhere' kind of traveler, but I loved it here. Taxis are readily available if your feet start aching, and the metro is nearby for longer trips. I took one taxi the entire trip, other than the one to the airport. Getting lost in the winding streets of the Old City is half the fun! Seriously, you can just wander and stumble upon something amazing. So, yes, the location is incredibly convenient and a massive selling point.
Tell Me About the Service - Any Faux Pas or Unexpected Wins?
Alright, the service… this is where things get a little… *human*. Overall, the staff was lovely, genuinely trying to be helpful. The front desk was always polite and efficient, which is always a great comfort. Here’s a story: I was completely and utterly lost trying to find a specific restaurant (thanks to my awful sense of direction, not the fault of the hotel!). I called the concierge, sounding panicked, and they not only gave me clear directions but also offered to order a taxi and tell the driver exactly where to go. Total lifesaver! However… and there’s always a “however” right?… on one occasion, I asked for an extra towel, and it took a little while to arrive. I’m not necessarily complaining, they may well have been busy. But, it's not perfect. But, overall, the staff was friendly and helpful. It’s a small thing, but that one towel incident made me realize that absolutely *nothing* is 100% perfect, even at a fancy hotel. And honestly, that's kinda charming. The human imperfection is part of the experience, right? It’s an honest, real experience.
Is There a Spa? Should I Book a Treatment?
Yes! There is a spa, and the pictures looked amazing. I'm not a huge spa person, I'm more of a "walk the city until my feet scream and then down a giant plate of food" kind of traveler. But! I did sneak a peek. The atmosphere was incredibly serene, the decor sleek and modern, and the scent of… something lovely… filled the air. I, perhaps, should have booked a treatment. Next time. If you're into spa days, absolutely book. You won't be disappointed! If I am honest with myself, I should have spent some time there. I felt very stressed after I had walked around for 12 hours. I would definitely recommend.
Any Quirks or Little Details I Should Know Beforehand?
Okay, a few random things! Wifi was generally excellent, but sometimes a bit spotty in the room. Don't pack a ton of clothes - there's a very nice laundry service. The elevators are fairly quick, which is a blessing. The air conditioning worked a treat, which is essential for the Baku summer heat. Oh, and they had complimentary water bottles in the room, which is a small but much-appreciated touch. And there's a fabulous little store around the corner, selling some amazing Azerbaijani sweets. Seriously, try the pakhlava. You won't regret it. I went there every day. I think I am addicted.
So, Final Verdict: Would You Stay There Again? And Why?
Absolutely. Without a doubt. I’m alreadyEscape To Inns
